Thailand News
Thailand news, politics, business, crime, and lifestyle—get breaking updates from Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and beyond. Stay informed on Thai society, economy, tourism, and expat life with The Thaiger.
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Sponsored How to reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses in Thailand?
Managing medical expenses in Thailand is important as healthcare costs continue to rise. The country’s healthcare system includes both public and private options, but even with the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS) for citizens, many still face high out-of-pocket medical expenses....
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Thai trade rises 6.18% to 1.51 trillion baht in 10 months
Thailand’s border and cross-border trade surged by 6.18% in the first 10 months of 2024, reaching a total value of 1.51 trillion baht (US$43.43 billion), according to Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan. The government has set an ambitious goal of expanding this trade to 2 trillion baht (US$58 billion) annually by 2027. The export value during the period rose by 5.64%…
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Thai victims lose over 100 million baht to ‘blue elephant’ flight booking scam
Nearly 100 victims collectively lost over 100 million baht to a flight booking platform featuring a blue elephant logo. The victims neither received their tickets nor were refunded their money. Ten representatives of the victims visited the Crime Suppression Division (CSD) yesterday, December 2, after their complaints were ignored for a prolonged period despite the substantial financial losses. They gathered a…
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Holy brows: Monk’s DIY eyebrow hack sends Internet into frenzy
A monk’s innovative eyebrow solution left the Internet in stitches after photos of his welfare card verification saga went viral yesterday. The Buddhist monk, whose name was not disclosed, encountered a modern-day dilemma at a blue-flag store. The state welfare payment app couldn’t match his face to the photo on his welfare card, thanks to his bare brow: a hallmark…
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Surprise drug test reveals one positive at Buriram meeting
In a surprising move, the district chief of Ban Mai Chaiphot, Seksan Janwongsa, ordered a sudden drug test for local officials during a meeting yesterday, December 2. The surprise urine test, part of an integrated campaign to combat drug issues, revealed one official testing positive for drugs, with five others yet to be tested. The meeting, which took place at…
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Thailand ranks 9th in global instant noodle consumption
The World Instant Noodles Association (WINA) ranked Thailand as the ninth highest consumer of instant noodles globally. WINA released its rankings of the countries with the highest instant noodle consumption yesterday, December 2. The list, which includes 15 countries, placed Thailand in ninth position. Thai people reportedly consume 4 billion packets of instant noodles annually. The top spot was awarded…
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Tragic accident: Man drowns as truck slides into Thai pond
A tragic incident unfolded last night when a man, who had been resting in his truck by a pond, was found dead after the vehicle rolled into the water. The victim, who had been guarding machinery inside the truck, struggled to escape but could not survive. At around 10pm, yesterday, December 2, emergency rescue teams from Ruenchit Volunteers, located in…
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3D-printed corals spark underwater hope at Koh Racha Yai
In a cutting-edge bid to revive the coral reefs around Koh Racha Yai, south of Phuket, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) is making waves with its annual reef restoration campaign. The initiative unveiled its latest eco-marvel: 3D-printed coral larvae islands on Saturday, November 30, designed to breathe life back into the battered seabeds. The high-profile launch event…
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Thailand aims to become education hub with global universities
The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation is planning to invite renowned overseas universities to set up campuses in Thailand as part of its initiative to position the country as a regional education hub. Minister Supamas Isarabhakdi highlighted that Thailand offers significant potential for becoming a central educational destination in the region, citing factors such as affordable living…
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Thailand urges swift release of citizens detained by Myanmar
Thailand urged Myanmar’s ambassador to urgently work for the release of four Thai citizens who are currently detained in Myanmar, following an incident in which their fishing boat was fired upon by Myanmar naval ships off the coast of Ranong last week. Piyapak Sricharoen, Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, met with Myanmar’s ambassador to Thailand, U Chit…
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Woman arrested at husband’s hospital bedside over fraud charges
A 39 year old woman wanted on two arrest warrants for fraud and computer crimes was arrested by police while visiting her husband, who is currently recovering in a hospital after being shot during a standoff with police. At around 4pm yesterday, December 2, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kornpong Sukwisit, Deputy Commander of the Investigation Division, along with the investigative team…
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Russian woman falls to death from Bangkok condo
A tragic incident unfolded in the Phaya Thai district of Bangkok when a 24 year old Russian woman, Maria, fell to her death from the 37th floor of a condominium. The heartbreaking event occurred around 3.07pm yesterday, December 2, prompting an immediate response from local police. Upon arrival at the scene, officers found the lifeless body of the Russian woman,…
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AirAsia refund fury: Passengers affected by booking glitch
AirAsia customers faced turbulence after a Facebook post accused the airline of a major booking scam. The post, shared on the page à¸à¸µà¸‹à¹‰à¸à¸‚ยี้ข่าว : à¸à¸µà¸‹à¹‰à¸, claimed “The scam is out! A famous airline cheats on ticket prices, opens a promotion booking system to deduct money, and in the end, they say the booking was unsuccessful and they don’t refund money.…
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Boy dies after fall from shopping mall in Ayutthaya
A 12 year old boy tragically fell to his death from the rooftop of a shopping mall located along Rojana Road in Uthai district, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province. His death has left his family devastated, particularly his mother, who was with him just hours before the tragic incident. At around 6.30pm, yesterday, December 2, local police received a report of…
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Former village headman arrested for fatal shooting in Thailand
Police arrested Prasith (surname withheld), a 52 year old former assistant village head in Ban Non Rawiang, following the fatal shooting of Thanaphon (surname withheld), a 43 year old man found dead in a sugarcane field in Ban Non Rawiang, Bung Phalai subdistrict, Kaeng Sanamnang district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The victim, who had 20 methamphetamine pills and some cannabis by his side,…
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Daring theft: Italian tourist nabs cash from Pattaya hotel desk
A brazen early-morning theft has left a Pattaya hotel owner furious after an Italian guest was caught on CCTV swiping 4,000 baht from the front desk before making a hasty exit. The suspect, identified as Andrea (surname withheld), checked into the small hotel on Soi Bua Khao on Friday, November 29 and checked out under suspicious circumstances early on Sunday…
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Thailand video news | Foreigner swims in Bangkok canal, sparks debate, Hidden camera scandal at University sports event
In today’s Thailand video news, Alex and Jay bring you the latest stories from Thailand and the Asia region. Key highlights include Thai AirAsia’s denial of fraud allegations linked to technical issues with its app, mounting criticism against Thailand’s Prime Minister over her flood response, and concerns over safety after an Israeli tourist was attacked in northern Thailand. Other notable…
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Thailand’s big love leap: Same-sex couples to wed starting January
Thailand is rolling out the rainbow carpet as the Marriage Equality Bill is set to become law on January 22, making the nation a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights in Asia. Following its royal endorsement by His Majesty King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua and publication in the Royal Gazette on September 24, the countdown to this historic milestone has officially begun.…
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Police arrest key figure in Chinese call centre scam
Police successfully apprehended a major figure in a Chinese call centre scam syndicate operating in Thailand. Teo Min, a 35 year old Chinese national, was arrested near the Sakaeo border after evading capture for several weeks. His 37 year old wife, Yin, also from China, was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport while attempting to flee the country. The arrest followed…
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Hat Yai lecturer electrocuted closing gate in floodwater
A shocking accident has left Hat Yai residents reeling as a university lecturer lost his life after being electrocuted while closing his front gate in waist-high floodwater. Police are scrambling to uncover who is to blame for the deadly oversight. Officials from the Provincial Electricity Authority’s (PEA) Hat Yai branch inspected the scene and identified a copper-exposed wire near Narun…
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UAE and Thailand bilateral agreements to boost trade and travel
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Thailand are poised to deepen their partnership through a series of bilateral agreements, according to UAE ambassador to Thailand Obaid Saeed Obaid Bintaresh Aldhaheri. Speaking at a UAE National Day celebration on Thursday, November 28, Aldhaheri underscored Thailand’s importance as a strategic partner beyond traditional oil trade. “We look forward to strengthening bilateral relations…
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Thai father confesses to killing 6 month old baby after argument with wife
A Thai father confessed to killing his six month old baby boy at a rented house in Bangkok yesterday by pushing him off the bed due to the baby’s persistent crying and the stress following an argument with his wife. The baby’s 25 year old mother, Chotika, who is six months pregnant, yesterday, December 2, contacted officers from Kannayao Police…
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Family life in Thailand: Creating a healthy and happy home for expats
Living in Thailand as an expat family opens the door to a rich cultural experience, lively communities, and family-friendly facilities that make it a fantastic place to raise children. Here’s a guide on how to create a safe, healthy, and happy home for your family in Thailand, from choosing the right neighbourhood to building a sense of community and enjoying…
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Pervert scandal: Uni sports event rocked by hidden camera (video)
A hidden camera scandal has rocked a prominent university sports event, sparking widespread online outrage. A perverted man is accused of placing cameras in the athletes’ bathroom, secretly recording videos during the event. Despite his denial, police uncovered substantial video evidence from his messaging app. Yesterday, December 1, social media platforms were abuzz with discussions and condemnations of the incident.…
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Thai monk killed, 5 injured in Buddha statue collapse (video)
Locals believe a mysterious destructive force caused the collapse of a Buddha statue at a monastery on the banks of the Mekong River in the Isaan province of Amnat Charoen on November 29, killing one monk and injuring five others. Officers from Chanuman Police Station investigated the fatal accident at Kaeng Kansung Monastery in Chanuman district, Amnat Charoen. Upon arrival,…
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Experts push for diverse HIV prevention options in Thailand
Access to diverse PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) options for HIV prevention is essential for meeting the varied needs of individuals, according to experts gathered at a recent forum. Nittaya Phanuphak, the Institute of HIV Research and Innovation (IHRI) Executive Director, emphasised the necessity for a broader range of choices to enhance prevention efforts and accommodate the different lifestyles of people at…
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Thai labour market hits brakes as factories cut jobs amid car sales slump
The Thai labour market is in turmoil as major factories announce sweeping layoffs, with reports that Nissan plans to slash or relocate more than 1,000 workers. This news compounds an already grim employment landscape, as highlighted by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), which reported unemployment figures rising to 414,000 in the third quarter, up from 401,000 last…
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High school graduate poses as fake doctor, causes 3 million baht loss
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a fake doctor who deceived victims into investing in a beauty clinic. Investigators revealed that his highest educational qualification was only a high school diploma. Victims filed complaints with the CIB after discovering that the individual, who invited them to invest in the beauty clinic, had no medical education or licence. The fake doctor was…
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Floodwaters recede in Narathiwat, trains set to resume
Floodwaters in Narathiwat have receded, returning life to normal and allowing local train services to resume. The border checkpoint between Thailand and Malaysia reopened as of yesterday, December 1, with the railway expected to be operational tomorrow. Heavy flooding in Narathiwat had previously inundated low-lying areas, roads, and railway tracks, leading to the closure of transportation routes and train services.…
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Thai motorcycle exports surge 157% in October to 6.5 billion baht
Motorcycle exports from Thailand are on the rise, driven by increasing demand for completely knocked-down (CKD) units, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The surge in exports during October reflects a growing interest from overseas markets, particularly in Asia, where countries are placing more purchase orders for reassembly purposes. Surapong Paisitpatanapong, Vice Chairman of the FTI and spokesperson…
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Golden opportunity: Price drop triggers wallet-watch frenzy
The Gold Traders Association (GTA) set the stage for a potential buying frenzy today, announcing a dip in gold prices that has eager investors checking their wallets. As of 9.07am, today, December 2, gold ornaments have slumped by 50 baht compared to yesterday’s rates, marking the new selling price at 43,550 baht per baht weight. For those eyeing those sparkling…
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